THK CROW-CHILD 149

quite ready, when he cried “Cor! Cor!” to come from
the cottage with a cheery, “Yes, little Crow! I’m com-
ing! I ’m coming!”

No one could help loving Ruky, with his quick, affec-
tionate ways; and it seemed that Ruky, in turn, could
not help loving every person and thing around him. He
loved his silent old uncle, the bright lake, the cool forest,

 

THE HOME OF CORA AND RUKY.

and even his little china cup with red berries painted upon
it. But more than all, Ruky loved his golden-haired sis-
ter, and the great dog, who would plunge into the lake at
the mere pointing of his chubby little finger. In fact, that
finger and the commanding baby voice were “law” to Nep
at any time.

Nep and Ruky often talked together, and though one
used barks and the other words, there was a perfect under-
standing between them. Woe to the strageler that dared
to rouse Nep’s wrath, and woe to the bird or rabbit that ven-

tured too near!—those great teeth snapped at their prey
10”